Chad Wilson
July 2, 2024
Playing defensive back requires a wide range of physical skills necessary to match up against your opponent and win the battles every down in the war. However, all the physical training in the world won’t help you if you are not mentally prepared for battle and cannot handle the stresses of the position. Defensive back is arguably the most stressful position on the field. To perform at your best, you need to do a few things to handle that stress. In this article, I will give you a few tips on managing the stress of playing defensive back.
1 -Preparation is Key
Focus begins long before game day. Proper preparation builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Study your opponent’s tendencies, routes, and formations. Knowing what to expect allows you to react faster and more decisively. Confidence is the most important factor in playing defensive back, and confidence is built through knowing what your opponent is going to do.
Film Study Tips:
– Watch game tapes of your opponents to identify their favorite routes and moves.
– Pay attention to the quarterback’s habits and tells.
– Study your own performances to identify and correct mistakes.
2 – Develop a Pre-Game Routine
A consistent pre-game routine helps settle nerves and gets you into the right mindset. Your routine can include stretching, listening to music, visualization, or any activity that helps you relax and focus.
Pre-Game Routine Ideas:
– Warm up with dynamic stretches and light drills.
– Listen to a playlist that gets you pumped up or calms your nerves.
– Visualize successful plays and positive outcomes.
The third point is one that I am really high on. Before the big plays happen in real life, you must visualize them in your head. Manifest your performance in your thoughts and watch them unfold when the real moments come.
3 – Stay Present
During the game, it’s easy to let your mind wander to past mistakes or future plays. However, the key is to stay present and focus on the current moment.
Mindfulness Techniques:
– Focus on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths can help calm your mind.
– Use cues or keywords to bring your attention back to the present (e.g., “Next play” or “Stay sharp”).
– Practice mindfulness meditation off the field to improve your ability to stay present during games.
Many great players practice the art of talking to themselves. To some, it may seem like they are crazy, but it helps them make crazy plays. Speak things into existence, especially when the moments get intense. Talking to yourself doesn’t mean you are crazy or can’t handle the pressure. Quite the opposite. It means you have a plan for the big moments, and reminding yourself of who you are will help you get the job done.
4 -Control What You Can
You can’t control every aspect of the game, but you can control your own actions and reactions. Focus on your responsibilities and trust your training.
Control Tactics:
– Focus on executing your assignment to the best of your ability.
– Don’t dwell on mistakes; learn from them and move on.
– Maintain a positive attitude and encourage your teammates.
Once a play is over, it’s over. Quickly learn from what happened and move your focus to the next play. One moment, you can get beat for a touchdown, and the next moment, you can take an interception the length of the field for a touchdown. You can’t control what just happened, but you do have the power to control what takes place next.
5 – Embrace Pressure
Rather than fearing pressure, embrace it. Pressure means you’re in a position to make a significant impact. Reframe your mindset to view pressure as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Mindset Shifts:
– Think of high-pressure situations as a chance to showcase your skills.
– Remind yourself of past successes in similar situations.
– Visualize yourself succeeding under pressure.
Convince yourself that you love high-pressure moments. This is why you love football and playing defensive back. Performing in the pressure cooker is what separates you from those sitting in the stands. Do this enough, and you will eventually find it to be true. Intense moments are where superstars are made. Extraordinary moments create extraordinary people.
6 – Stay Physically Prepared
Physical fatigue can lead to mental lapses. Ensure that your conditioning is top-notch so you can maintain focus throughout the game.
Physical Preparation:
– Follow a rigorous conditioning program to improve endurance.
– Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition.
– Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery.
There’s a saying that goes, “fatigue makes cowards of us all.” One of the best things you can do for yourself physically is to be in shape. Defensive backs run all day, so be prepared to do so. The guy with the most energy in tough moments stands the best chance to win. Jerry Rice built a Hall of Fame career off of being able to run faster and longer than everyone who lined up in front of him.
7 – Communicate with Your Teammates
Clear communication helps prevent confusion and mistakes. Make sure you and your teammates are on the same page, especially in high-pressure situations.
Communication Tips:
– Use hand signals and verbal calls to relay information.
– Encourage and support each other to boost morale.
– Hold each other accountable for assignments and adjustments.
Remember that football is a team game. Sometimes as defensive backs (especially cornerbacks), you can feel like you are all alone. However, even in the most one-on-one situations, your teammates can help you. Whether that is a teammate alerting you to a play that is coming or you aligning yourself in a way that a teammate can help you, defeating your opponent is not a solo job on a football field. Use communication to your advantage.
8 – Learn from Experience
Experience is a great teacher. The more you play in high-pressure situations, the better you’ll become at handling them. Reflect on each game and identify areas for improvement.
Post-Game Reflection:
– Review your performance and identify what you did well and what needs improvement.
– Discuss the game with coaches and teammates to gain different perspectives.
– Set goals for future games based on your reflections.
Reflecting on your performance prepares you for the next time, and there will be a next time. Those who fail to learn from mistakes are doomed to repeat them. Repeated mistakes become habits, and we all know that habits are hard to break. Learning from failure is a superpower. Use it to your advantage and give yourself an edge for the next time you are in that situation.
Conclusion
Some players at the upper levels even seek help from a sports psychologist. Never be too prideful to do this. These professionals can help you set your mind up for success. As physical as the game of football is, 80% of it is mental. The mind controls the body, and for it to do that, it must be in the proper state play after play. Using the techniques described in this article prepares your brain to make the right decisions on the field when the situations mean the most. Incorporate them into your routine and enjoy the newfound success that it will bring you.
Chad Wilson is the owner of All Eyes DB Camp and author of "101 DB Tips". He played college football at the University of Miami and briefly in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. Over his 15 year high school football coaching career, he tutored over a dozen Division I defensive backs and as a trainer has worked with NFL All Pros, first round draft picks, college football All Americans and Top 10 ranked high school football prospects.
